Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1887-08-16
- sualIE.-.
NEW SERIES, VOL. XXI, NO:-445

aourishing Institution the. town had ever
known
"Ies a pity you hadn't tlarger qaarters. !" said
solomon Abel, when the dining-rOom and hall
fsere crowded, But as his boarder glanced
significantly towards the church, he added :
"You ,can't get that; our folks is too techy ~
The stranger answered with an unWonted
spirit:
"Touchy or not, it's somebody's duty to ask
for the church. Who could keep its doors
barred when all the children are knocking at
them7"
Anybody can see the Lords in this thing!H
chimed in Mrs. Abel tearfuIly. al don't want
the Sunday school to leave this house, for it's
brought US q blessing. sha'n't take cent
for the extra work, but it's dreadful slim ac-
commodadous. If It wasn't for flying rightin
Solomon's face-he's so against it'd put on
| my bonnet and ask the assessors myself"
'"Better Jet him tackle 'em," said solomon,
| indicating their guest; shes got his plans, I'll
warrant ye!"
Soon after our Sunday school worker called
upon an assessor and asked for the church
vestry. ;,-
Only for one service next Sabbath, - he ex-
planned. " It's Children's Day, and Mrs. Abel's
"It won't do" was the reply. II don't
know as those doorsIl ever be opened in this
| world"
In what other world they would be he did
! not say.
Better see the rest. There's Job wilkins
he'd never agree to It" Job was called upon.
"Have our meeting house!" he repeated
aghast. "why, 1t hasn't been opened for
years It's the tomb of our church,"
"Let us hope for a resurrection" was the
gentle reply. Meanwhile, cannot the chill
dren have one good service hcre7"
"Well, I don't know rs anything hinders,"
Job slowly decided. "rm willing If the rest
are"
Finally the key was obtained. Scarcely had
1t turned in the rusty lock when children came
running in all directions with brooms and
busters. The same eager helpers taxed field
aud garden to make the vestry bower of fra
GRANGE. ~.-
"Folks is all mixed up, they're so interested
in Childrcn's Day." said Mrs. Abel. There's
Mandy sprague-she'sj just stripped her seven
sister rose bush for Obed Green's girl; and
them two families havn't spoken for yearsi"
"The battle is almost won !" nurmured the
stranger; and when on that Sabbath his school
marched into the vestry, singing, it seemed to
him like the triumphant notes of a conquerinS
army. Behind focked the parents, filling set
tees and aisles. Many stood outside at the
open windows through the entire service. "
At Its close, Diah Spraguc suddenly rose and
proposed that San jine in Coronation" He
started it, voice after voice uniting until a
grand tide of melody filed the vcstry. Before
the hymn had died away, a former deacon
sprung up, saying tremulously;
go This has been a grand day, but we've had
almost as good in the past. Seems blessed to
be in the old church again, friends. didn't
expect to, for I'm almost through"
|. Another gray-haired man rose. -, =
:! ;;s:s,.,. -. Ee1i,ain crrn ilerenftcs
for Sabbath echool and a praise-meeting, not
only for the children's sake, but for our own-''
Willie surprise and hesitation struggled on
the faces Of several leaders, the old chorister
sprung upon n settee and started :" Blest Be the
Tie That Binds"
With one accord the congregation took up
the strain. Abandoning the air, Diah "lct out
on.the tenor" And as that accurate historian.
Solomon Abel tells it now, ''it was like old
times to see him with his eyes rolled up'ards
and them two teeth showing nat'ral as ever!"
No one smiled at the ancient chorister's rap
ture. Tears were in many eyes, the harmony
rose to the room above where they had once
worshiped God and exercised forever thespirit
of discord.
So the church was opened by the children.
Shortly after a minister was settled. When
| at last the reunited people realized what the
stranger had wrought for this end, a company
went to Solomon AbeI's to thank linn.
He was goneI But few weeks later they
found he was doing the same work in another
town.-The Pilgrim Teacher.